Garber was chosen at random from over 16,000 people who were registered for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k as of the February 1 contest deadline. Based on the predicted time she listed on her race entry form and her past performance in the event, she will be given a roughly 2.5-mile head start on the course and will attempt to cross the finish line before any of the other athletes running in the full 10k (6.2 miles). If she does outrun the rest of the field to the finish line, she will win the $2,500 cash prize. If another runner finishes first, the $2,500 will be donated to the VCU Massey Cancer Center, an official event charity.

Garber first participated in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k in 2013, and this will be the sixth time she has run. She says it has become one of her favorite annual events due to the flat, fast course and energetic crowd support, adding, “the crowds, the whole atmosphere, it feels like there’s a good cheering section for the whole route.” In addition to the 10k, Garber has taken part in the Markel Richmond Half Marathon three times, running it in 2015, 2016, and 2017. She also enjoys doing a variety of local races, as well as triathlons and swimming.

Though she is very familiar with the 10k and Dash for the Cash contest, Garber was still shocked to get the call about this year’s Dash. “I was totally surprised,” Garber said. “I thought, ‘Why is someone from Sports Backers calling me?’ It just seemed so unlikely that I would be chosen.”

Garber is a member of the Richmond Road Runners Club Advanced 10k Training Team, and she is already getting plenty of support and advice ahead of the Dash. “I might have more coaches than I know what to do with!” Garber said, adding, “They’re all very excited.” She can expect the support to continue on race day, and possibly afterwards, if she crosses the finish line ahead of the field—and she knows how she’ll eventually repay them. “My training teammates are expecting a beer if I win,” Garber said. Expectations aside, with about six weeks until race day, Garber says she is already looking forward to the challenge. “Everybody’s really excited!”

Registration is still open for the 2018 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger and the Virginia529 Kids Run, both taking place on April 14. More information is available at www.sportsbackers.org.